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Rethinking Our Drinking

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all faced many challenges. Work, home and family lives have been disrupted, and routines have changed.

But now is the right time to think again about how much and when we drink.

Alcohol has a chemical effect in your brain, and can have a big negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing. Cutting back helps us feel happier, healthier and more energetic, sleep better, lose weight, and reduce our chances of serious illnesses like cancer, liver disease and heart disease. There are lots of simple ways you can reduce your drinking:

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help you avoid some of the harmful effects and risks of drinking too much alcohol. It's a good idea to drink a glass of water before starting to drink alcohol and between each alcoholic drink.

Go for smaller measures

On days when you are drinking alcohol, go for smaller sizes. You can also cut down on measures by choosing lower-strength drinks.

Have a plan and set a budget

Before you start drinking, set a limit on how much you will have or what time you will stop.

If you make a deal with yourself before you start it can be easier to stick to your plans.

Let your friends and family know

When you decide to cut down on your drinking, make sure you let your friends and family know. If people who care about you know you are trying to reduce your drinking, they will be able to support you.

Change your habits

If you usually drink while socialising, try meeting your friends or loved ones in a different place or at a different time. Doing something active like going for walk can help reduce stress, make you feel better and improve your health.

Take it one day at a time

Try to increase the number of days a week when you don’t have a drink. The more drink-free days you have, the longer the break you give your body from the harmful toxins in alcohol.

More support to help reduce your drinking

If you are concerned about your drinking and think you need more support to reduce your alcohol intake, you can contact DAN 24/7 for help and advice at any time –day or night. Freephone: 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066. The telephone number will NOT appear on your home itemised bill.

Tel: 0333 332 3260 www.alynfamilydoctors.co.uk www.facebook.com/alynfamilydoctors